By David Jordan Jr
Olympic gold medalist, Naismith Hall of Famer and NBA champion Jerry West died at his home in Los Angeles, California at the age of 86 on June 12th.
“The Logo” also known as “Mr. Clutch” was one of the most iconic figures in the game of basketball for well over the last sixty years. Hailing from Cabin Creek, West Virginia, West would star at West Virginia University en route to a legendary college career. Before the start of his professional career, West would team with another basketball icon, “The Big O,” Oscar Robertson to win a gold medal at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome. West would go on to be the number two pick in the 1960 NBA Draft to the Los Angeles Lakers, beginning a career that would span sixty-plus years in the NBA in various capacities; first as a player, then a coach, and then a general manager.
Many know Jerry West for his legendary play on the basketball court during his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, but it was his mind for the game that took his legendary career to another level as a general manager for the Los Angeles Lakers, the Memphis Grizzlies and in executive positions with the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers. West was the orchestrator for the “Showtime” Los Angeles Lakers teams of the 1980s and he formulated the core for the 3-Peat Lakers of the early 2000’s by signing Shaquille O’Neal and acquiring the late Kobe Bryant in the summer of 1996. West would shape the structure of the newly relocated Memphis Grizzlies to reach their first playoff birth, while also piecing together key capononets for the Golden State Warriors championship runs in the 2010’s.
Those who knew Jerry West have all reiterated the same sentiments; a man of supreme kindness, generosity, and loyalty. Jerry West was a person who expressed truth in his words and displayed loyalty in his actions to all of those with whom he came in contact with during his life. The impact of “The Logo” on the world was cemented a long time ago and will continue forever.
Jerry West, 1938-2024
